Chapter 2 Governance in Singapore

Chapter 2 Governance in Singapore

Governance in Singapore • Introduction • Guiding principles of governance • Population growth in Singapore • Ageing population in Singapore

Introduction • The basic function of a government is to meet the needs of the nation and its people • The government does this by making decisions and policies • The way the government manages the resources of the country is known as governance • So when a government does a good job in managing the country, we say ‘there is good governance’

Guiding principles of governance We are going to study why the government makes those decisions i.e. the guiding principles of governance in Singapore because…

Governance is too important to be left to the politicians

Singapore practisesrepresentative democracy 1. An election is held every five years Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. During the election, the people will decide who they will vote to represent them. Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

National Solidarity Party (NSP)

The Workers’ Party (WP)

People’s Action Party (PAP)

3. The candidates with the most number of votes will serve as Members of Parliament (MPs).

4. The leader of the political party with the most number of MPs in the parliament will become the Prime Minister. Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Singapore’s system of government • The people of Singapore have the power and responsibility to choose the right leaders for Singapore • The government in Singapore is made up of 3 branches • Legislature – Makes laws • Executive – Enforces the laws • Judiciary - Ensures laws are carried out fairly (Refer to textbook) Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ 4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ 2. ‘Anticipate change & stay relevant’ 3. ‘Reward for work & work for reward’

Sample Question Here are four guiding principles of governance in Singapore: • ‘Leadership is key’ • ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ • ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ • ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Which one do you think is the most important? Explain your answer. [12] Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Description: • ‘Leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance. • This means that Singapore looks for capable and honest people to be our leaders • Our leaders need to possess moral courage and integrity to do what is right and not what is popular • Besides talent and ability, leaders are also selected based on their good character Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Explanation: • ‘Leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance because good leaders will be able to make the right decisions and ensure smooth running of the country • At the same time, they are able to win the respect and confidence of the people • This then leads to prosperity and progress for the country as the people are supportive of the government and its policies Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ • Thus, the polices that the government implements will be well-received by the people and everyone will work together for the growth of the country Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ • Examples of good leaders in Singapore include Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong who served as Prime Ministers of Singapore • Under their leadership, Singapore enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity • In this way, ‘leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ Description: • ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore. • This means that Singapore is forward-looking and makes decisions in anticipation of future challenges Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ • Examples of how the government prepares for the future are NEWater and the building of the Integrated Resorts (IR) • Singapore’s water agreement with Malaysia ends in 2061 • In anticipation of the need to have our own supply of water, the government produced NEWater Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ • The decision to build the IRs is another example of how Singapore anticipate changes • Building the IRs enable us to have a competitive edge over the other countries in the tourism industry Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ Explanation: • ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle because when we plan ahead, we are well-prepared to meet future challenges • Then, Singapore will not be caught off-guard by unforeseen circumstances Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ • This ensures that our economy will continuously be able to grow and prosper • When that happens, Singapore’s future is guaranteed • In this way, ‘anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward Description: • ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore. • Meritocracy is a key part of this principle • Meritocracy means a system that rewards hard work and talent Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward • It helps to give everyone in society an equal opportunity to achieve their best and be rewarded for their performance • For example, the Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary Schemes reward the top 10% and 25% of students in schools Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward Explanation: • ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance because it gives every Singaporean a fair chance to succeed • Singaporeans know that their talents and abilities will be recognised and they will be rewarded • They will then be encouraged to put in their best and work hard Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward • When everyone puts in their best, Singapore as a nation will then be able to continue to grow and achieve success • Also, there will be racial harmony and social stability as meritocracy rewards talents, regardless of race, religion and socio-economic background • In this way, ‘reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Description: • ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore • This means that Singaporeans can have a say in making decision for the country • For example, many people could voice their concerns about the government’s plan of having a casino as part of an Integrated Resort • This will help to develop in them a greater sense of belonging Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Explanation: • ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore because citizen will have a sense of ownership and belonging to Singapore • Every community is treated fairly in Singapore so that the interests of the various communities are kept in balance • Thus, an inclusive society is created Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ • Citizens will then develop a sense of loyalty and patriotism • This will cause them to be rooted to Singapore • When everyone feels strongly that they are a part of Singapore, they will be more eager to contribute to the country • Then, they will work together for the growth and prosperity of the country • In this way, ‘a stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Implementation of the 4 Principles We will now learn how these principles help shape the polices to manage: • Populationgrowthin Singapore • Ageing population in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Video: Watch the following video to find out more about the issue of ageing population in Singapore http://vimeo.com/45302314

(A) Population growth in Singapore • Singapore’s population grew rapidly in 1950s and 60s • A rapidly growing population posed many problems for Singapore • From 1966 to 1981, three five-year plan were implemented to control population growth Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

(A) Population growth in Singapore • By 1980, the fertility rate hit 1.82 children per woman • A population that is too small has potential problems too • Refer to textbook page 45 - 46 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Reasons for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 1. Unattractive to MNCs 2. Ageing population 3. Defence

Sample Question Here are three reasons for the need to promote population growth in Singapore: • Unattractive to MNCs • Ageing population • Defence Which one do you think is the most significant? Explain your answer. [12] Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies Description: • Becoming unattractive to multinational companies (MNCs) is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies • With a small population, Singapore would be unable to produce enough talented people to sustain its development • MNCs find it difficult and expensive to recruit Singaporeans compared to the huge labour market in countries like China

1. Unattractive to multinational companies • And that will lead to a drop in the standard of living and quality of life of Singaporeans • In this way, becoming unattractive to MNCs is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies Explanation: • Becoming unattractive to MNCs is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore because without the investments from MNCs in Singapore, there would not be growth in Singapore’s economy • Singapore’s income then will be affected • This is in turn cause our economy to suffer Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population Description: • Ageing population is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore • With fewer babies born each year, there would be fewer young people in the population Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population • The number of older people would be proportionally higher • This means the country would be faced with an ageing population

2. Ageing population Explanation: • Ageing population is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore because more resources would be used to take care of the increasing number of senior citizens • Resources would be spent in the areas of healthcare, housing, transport etc Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Chapter 2 Governance in Singapore